Geological and Declan McDonogh pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
The admirable Geological followed-up on his course and distance win from July, as he registered his 17th career success in the second divide of the Gain The Advantage Series Handicap.
A real flag bearer for his trainer Damian English, the ten-year-old went up 5lb for his win last month, failing to make an impact on his two starts since at Naas and Galway respectively.
Sent off at 14/1 this evening, he raced towards the head of affairs throughout and was in a share of the lead with Fools Glory from before halfway.
Ridden to lead from the two furlong pole, the son of Rock Of Gibraltar kept up the gallop all the way to the line, coming home a length-and-three-quarters to the good.
The aforementioned Fools Glory (28/1) plugged on to take second under Nathan Crosse, while Men Of Dreams (11/1) and High Altitude (7/1) were third and fourth respectively. Tashim was sent off the 5/1 favourite and he finished seventh.
"Horses for courses! We did the same as July and brought him down the night before and he settled in well," English revealed.
"I didn't expect him to do that as I thought the ground was a bit dead but the older he is getting, he is appreciating the bit of juice in the ground.
"He missed the break in Galway and things didn't go to plan but with an old horse like that, he minds himself and knows himself when it's not going right."
It was McDonogh's first ride on the winner and English added: "It is unbelievable how many jockeys have won on him on their first ride. Shane Foley and Colin Keane both won on him first time.
"Declan said he was going away at the end, appreciated the ground and said to get him out again. I have nothing planned but we'll make it up as we go along and we have Dundalk all winter too."
STEWARDS REPORTS
J.M. Sheridan, rider of Ghumama trained by Denis Gerard Hogan, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was badly hampered after a furlong.
A.J. Slattery, rider of Khafaaq (GB) trained by Andrew Slattery, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount got tight for room after a furlong.
M.A. Enright, rider of Notforalongtime (GB) trained by Laura Hourigan, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung badly left.
N.M. Crosse, rider of Fools Glory trained by P.F.McEnery, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung on the bend turning in.
C.D. Hayes, rider of Grappa Nonino trained by D. K. Weld, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was brought to a standstill after a furlong.
B.M. Coen, rider of Angel's Trumpet trained by Peter Fahey, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was badly hampered after a furlong.
The Stewards enquired into an incident in the first furlong involving Ghumama, ridden by J.M. Sheridan, Khafaaq (GB), ridden by A.J. Slattery, Geological, ridden by D.P. McDonogh, Notforalongtime (GB), ridden by M.A. Enright, High Altitude, ridden by R.C. Colgan, Silent Performance ridden by James J. Doyle, Fools Glory, ridden by N.M. Crosse, Grappa Nonino, ridden by C.D. Hayes, Angel's Trumpet, ridden by B.M. Coen, and James Henry ridden by J. Kearney where it appeared horses got tight for room on the outer. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. J. Kearney gave his evidence in the presence of Mr. J.F. Levins. J.M. Sheridan stated that he was impeded and took back. A.J. Slattery stated that he got pressure from his outer. D.P. McDonogh stated that he was clear and wasn't aware of any incident in behind. M.A. Enright stated that he took no part in the incident. R.C. Colgan stated that he got pressure from his outer and ran out of room. James J. Doyle stated that he was on the outer and didn't put pressure to his inner. N.M. Crosse stated that he got clear of the incident on the inner. C.D. Hayes stated that he was upsides Angel's Trumpet when he got pressure from his outside and took back. B.M. Coen stated that he got pressure from both sides and had to take back. J. Kearney stated that he got presssure from his outer. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards did not apportion blame to any individual rider and took no further action.
Andrew Slattery, trainer of Khafaaq (GB), reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his charge came back with superficial cuts post race
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
